Primary Producer (Shrubs) |
Primary Consumer (Gazelle) |
Secondary Consumer (Cheetah) |
The source of energy in this food web would be the sun which gives energy to the plants. There are many animals that eat these plants. If there was a fluctuation of numbers in these herbivores, there wouldn't be enough plants to feed them all. Only the fit would survive a plant shortage. If there was a fluctuation in the carnivores, many of the herbivores would die off and not leave enough prey for the other carnivores. If there was limited plants, it would hinder population growth or stop it completely.
Invasive Species
In the African savannas, Solenopsis geminata, or the fire ant, have caused trouble to the environment. It has replaced the native ant species and eliminated the arthropods in the area. This made a difference in the food chain. They destroy some of the plants needed by other organisms and reduces biodiversity. They can even damage large cats and elephants with their bite and it can hinder those animals' eyesight.